India has extended the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights till September 30.
India’s aviation regulator DGCA says the suspension of scheduled international passenger flights has been extended till September 30
“However, international scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis,” the Directorate General of Civil Aviation added.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, scheduled passenger flights had been suspended in India on March 23, 2020. The ban was to end on August 31 after a 17-month gap. However, the DGCA decided to extend the ban.
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However, special international flights will operate under the Vande Bharat Mission and bilateral “air bubble” arrangements with selected countries.
DGCA said, “Dedicated cargo flights, flights under the bilateral air bubble pacts with select countries will continue to operate.”
“In a partial modification on a circular dated June 26, 2021, the competent authority has further extended the validity of the circular issued on the subject cited above regarding Scheduled International commercial passenger service to/from India till 2359 hrs IST of September 30 2021,” explained the DGCA circular.
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“This restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA. However, International Scheduled flights may be allowed on selected routes by the competent authority on a case-to-case basis,” stated the circular.
India has air-bubble pacts with more than 28 countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, Kenya, Bhutan, and France.
